Virginia Online Casino Vote Advances After Narrow House Decision

Virginia lawmakers again returned to the question of real money online casino regulation, pushing forward legislation that has stalled and resurfaced for several years. A narrow vote in the House shows how divided the issue remains, even as momentum continues to build in both chambers.

Good to Know

• Virginia residents already wager an estimated $12 billion each year on unregulated online casinos
• The bill would allow up to 15 legal iGaming platforms statewide
• A 15 percent gross gaming revenue tax would rank among the lowest in regulated iGaming states

A close vote inside the House of Delegates General Laws gaming subcommittee sent Virginia online casino legislation forward once again. Members voted 5 to 4 to advance the bill, pushing it to the House Appropriations Committee for another round of debate before any possible floor vote.

The Senate version already cleared an earlier hurdle. Lawmakers there advanced companion legislation last month by a 9 to 6 committee vote. That proposal now waits inside the Senate Finance Committee, keeping both chambers active on the issue at the same time.

Supporters framed the bill around regulation rather than expansion. Del. Marcus Simon, the chief patron, told lawmakers that Virginians already gamble heavily online, only without oversight or consumer safeguards. Simon placed that annual figure at $12 billion flowing through illegal iGaming platforms.

“What this bill is really meant to do is bring the gaming on your phone within a legal framework that’s going to be highly regulated and include consumer protections,” Simon said.

Industry backing followed a familiar pattern. Representatives tied to national online casino brands spoke in favor during the House hearing, echoing testimony offered earlier in the Senate. The Sports Betting Alliance appeared in support, representing FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and bet365.

Caesars also weighed in on the record. Executive Ken Hutchinson told lawmakers the company supported legalization and rejected claims that mobile casino play would drain revenue from physical casinos. Caesars already operates one of the five approved brick and mortar casinos in Virginia.

Opposition focused on that same concern. Live! Casino Virginia vice president Mark Stewart warned lawmakers that online casinos could redirect spending away from in person gaming, potentially costing hundreds of millions in annual revenue along with thousands of jobs tied to casino properties.

The bill outlines a wide operator structure. Each existing casino could partner with as many as three mobile operators, opening the door to up to 15 online casino platforms statewide. Lawmakers also continue to discuss separate legislation for a Tysons casino, which would likely qualify for the same mobile access.

Virginia casino operators named in the proposal include Caesars, Live! parent Cordish Companies, Hard Rock, Boyd, and Rush Street Gaming.

Tax policy remains a central feature. The bill proposes a 15 percent gross gaming revenue tax, a rate lower than many other iGaming states. Lawmakers directed part of that revenue back to physical casinos as a buffer against any loss tied to online play.

One requirement sets the bill apart nationally. Each licensed casino would need to operate a live dealer studio inside Virginia. Simon told lawmakers that requirement alone could create hundreds of new jobs tied to streaming dealers, production staff, and technical roles.

Responsible gambling safeguards also drew attention. The bill would block prepaid cards and credit card deposits while using automated alerts tied to betting behavior. Supporters argued those features would help identify risky play patterns before losses escalate.

Some lawmakers said added protections shifted earlier opposition. Even so, the final House vote margin stayed razor thin, reinforcing lingering discomfort around online casino access.

Del. Marcia Price voted against advancing the bill and explained her concerns before the vote. She warned that mobile gambling removes natural barriers that once slowed spending decisions.

“You don’t even have to put on pants to gamble,” Price said.

Churchill Downs joined the opposition as well, citing concerns tied to horse tracks and historic horse racing facilities operating across the state. Charitable gaming groups also testified against the bill, including representatives from Virginia Moose Lodges and VFW posts.

“I know this is a difficult vote for some of y’all,” Price said after the legislation moved forward by the narrowest possible margin.

FAQ

What would the Virginia online casino bill allow?

The bill would legalize real money online casino gaming under state regulation, with up to 15 licensed platforms tied to existing casinos.

How many states currently allow regulated iGaming?

If passed, Virginia would become the ninth state with regulated online casino gaming and the fifth to allow more than two operators.

How would Virginia tax online casino revenue?

The proposal sets a 15 percent gross gaming revenue tax, with a portion directed to brick and mortar casinos.

What consumer protections are included?

The bill blocks prepaid and credit card deposits and requires automated alerts tied to betting behavior.

Would online casinos create jobs in Virginia?

The bill requires in state live dealer studios, which lawmakers estimate could generate hundreds of new jobs.

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